The Argosy — page 192: what you’re looking at

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Lady Valeria. 175 across his mind, and his heart filled with a great pity and dread. But Meynell was silent. ‘Tell me more about this man,” after a long pause. ‘‘ What is he going to do next? What are you going to do ?” “What can I do? If I could doubt him, could I doubt my mother? She writes as one convinced. She lays stress on the like- ness —-—” he broke off abruptly, and walked up and down the room a few times. ‘‘ Magrath spoke fairly enough. No threats or big words. He of his own accord suggested waiting two days for my de- cision. I have been able to do nothing meanwhile.” (Eustace caught himself wondering whether Mr. Magrath might not possibly have taken the fact of the two days being Sunday and Bank Holiday into consideration himself). ‘‘ Nothing but wait and wait.” “After all, what do you want me here for?” asked Eustace, not unnaturally. If Oliver had spoken the truth he would have answered, ‘‘ To per- suade me out of my reluctant belief ;” but that he could not do. “I wanted to see you and tell you all this to-night, for I must have my answer ready to-morrow morning. He is to come here at ten. You will come, too? I shall need a witness.” ‘“T am to regard Magrath’s position as an established fact? You don’t want any help from me in disputing the claim ?” Eustace asked, only half satisfied. ‘‘ What does he claim ? ” “T do not know yet. He must go over it all again to you. I have thought it out, and each time it seems more conclusive to me,” said Meynell, with an uncertain, despondent look. ‘“Tt’s not quite in my line—I mean had you not better consult with your legal advisers ? It seems such a very serious undertaking— bringing an elder brother into the family on his own simple assertion. I think your sister has some right to be consulted.” ‘Mabel? No, no! Perhaps she need never hear of it.” Oliver spoke hastily, in a shaking voice. ‘‘ It need not affect her in any way. Any money claims / can satisfy.” “Vou think he’ll be satisfied with money, without further recogni- tion?” Eustace was getting more and more dissatisfied himself. He longed to ring for lights and have a good look at Meynell’s face. Sitting in the dark hearing these despondent, uncertain remarks in reply seemed to confuse him. ‘‘ If your mind is quite made up as to the course you mean to take, and I am only wanted as a friendly witness, I can have no objection to assist you so far. I shall come at ten to-morrow, then.” ‘Can you not come sooner? Come to breakfast. I will send the carriage,” Oliver begged eagerly. ‘‘ I may have more to say to you. She trusted you, and I know I have your sympathy.” “That you have,” spoke Eustace, cordially, giving the limp hand placed in his ahearty clasp. ‘‘I must confess I don’t enter into your views of the situation, but I am content to be left in the dark.” COnnicbooks (S©) im